**Ex-Cowboy DeMarcus Lawrence Throws Shade After Leaving Dallas for Seahawks; Micah Parsons Fires Back**
DeMarcus Lawrence, the former star defensive lineman for the Dallas Cowboys, recently made headlines for throwing shade at his old team after announcing his departure to the Seattle Seahawks. Lawrence, who played for the Cowboys for eight seasons, took to social media to express his frustration, offering a pointed critique of the organization that had been his home since 2014. His departure marks the end of an era, but the manner in which he exited raised eyebrows among both Cowboys fans and the wider NFL community.
In a cryptic Instagram post, Lawrence seemed to suggest that the Cowboys had been holding him back from reaching his full potential. “Sometimes you have to leave to grow and find your true value,” Lawrence wrote, alongside an image of him in a Seahawks uniform. While the post didn’t directly attack anyone by name, the implication was clear: Lawrence felt that his career in Dallas had not been as fulfilling as he had hoped, especially given the team’s lack of playoff success during his tenure.
The Cowboys’ defensive unit had undergone multiple changes over the years, and Lawrence had seen some of the team’s key players come and go. His frustrations seemed to stem from what he perceived as a lack of direction and leadership within the franchise. Lawrence’s decision to join Seattle was widely seen as a fresh start, a chance for him to contribute to a team with a more promising future in his eyes.
Micah Parsons, the current face of the Cowboys’ defense, was quick to respond to Lawrence’s comments. In a press conference, Parsons was asked about the former teammate’s departure and cryptic post, to which he responded with a mix of professionalism and subtle rebuke. “I’m focused on what we’re doing here,” Parsons said. “DeMarcus made his decision, and that’s his journey. But I believe in this team and what we’re building.” His words were calm but firm, suggesting that while Lawrence’s departure might have stung for some, the younger players on the roster were not fazed.
Parsons went on to praise the Cowboys’ defensive culture, emphasizing the importance of continuity and cohesion. “We’ve got a great group of guys who are all in,” Parsons continued. “We know what we’re capable of, and we’re going to keep pushing forward.” His response appeared to deflect any potential drama, focusing instead on the positive direction of the team under his leadership.
The exchange between Lawrence and Parsons is indicative of the shifting dynamics within the Cowboys’ locker room. While Lawrence’s departure has undoubtedly left a hole on the defensive line, Parsons, who is emerging as one of the NFL’s brightest young stars, has quickly assumed the mantle of leadership. His reaction also serves as a reminder that the Cowboys’ defense is no longer built around one individual player, but rather a collective unit with Parsons at its center.
As the 2025 NFL season draws near, the Cowboys will be without Lawrence for the first time in nearly a decade. While his departure certainly stings, it also marks a new chapter for the team, one that will require the next generation of defensive players, including Parsons, to step up. Dallas remains committed to building a championship contender, and the defense will play a crucial role in that pursuit.
For Lawrence, the move to Seattle represents an opportunity to write the next chapter of his career. He will join a Seahawks team that is in the midst of a rebuilding phase but has a promising defense and a strong leadership structure in place. Whether his decision to leave Dallas for Seattle was driven by a desire for more playing time, a better fit, or dissatisfaction with the Cowboys’ direction, only time will tell how it plays out for the veteran pass rusher. However, it’s clear that Lawrence’s departure has stirred emotions in Dallas, with Parsons emerging as the voice of the present and future for the Cowboys.